Saturday, October 14, 2006

"Innovative digital ergonomics research led by a University of Waterloo faculty member aims to make workplaces safer by eliminating a common injury -- shoulder strain.

By combining computer technologies, such as digital human modelling, together with laboratory experiments, Clark Dickerson and his research team are working toward reducing the risks or stresses involved in jobs even before the workplaces are built.

As a result, the research should ultimately lead to better health among employees and lower injury compensation costs.

Dickerson, a professor of kinesiology, has been awarded a grant from the Canadian Foundation for Innovation to advance research in digital ergonomics aimed at preventing shoulder injuries on the job.

His project, entitled Enabling Advanced Digital Ergonomics and Shoulder Biomechanics Research, has a total budget of $470,630, with $178,035 from CFI's leaders opportunity fund and the remainder from provincial and industry sources.

Dickerson's team investigates how to prevent musculoskeletal disorders in the workplace. These pathologies, caused by exposure to stressful work conditions, represent more than $100 billion in annual costs to society. Commonly injured areas of the body include the low back, wrists and shoulder." (Continued via Waterloo Chronicle) [Ergonomics Resources]